Looking for something a little more interesting than another fizzy soft drink, but not necessarily reaching for alcohol? Spraga Kombucha has arrived in the UK with a colourful range of naturally fermented drinks designed to prove that making a different drinks choice doesn’t have to mean compromising on flavour.
The soft drinks aisle has changed considerably in recent years. Alongside traditional carbonated drinks, we are seeing a growing selection of kombuchas, fermented drinks and sophisticated alcohol-free options aimed at people who want something that feels a little more grown-up.
One of the latest names hoping to shake things up is Spraga, a kombucha brand already making its mark across Europe and now bringing its range to UK drinkers.
What is Spraga Kombucha?
Spraga was created around a relatively simple philosophy: to make healthier drinks that still bring people pleasure. Its approach is summed up by the phrase “Oddly Real” — celebrating the slightly unconventional nature of kombucha while keeping the ingredients and fermentation process at the heart of the drink.
Each Spraga Kombucha is made using 100% organic ingredients and is natural, vegan and gluten-free. The kombucha is also unpasteurised, or “raw”, meaning it hasn’t undergone the heat treatment commonly used to extend the shelf life of many food and drink products.
The result is a sparkling drink that sits somewhere between the worlds of traditional soft drinks, fermented foods and the increasingly creative alcohol-free drinks market.
How is Spraga Kombucha made?
Kombucha is traditionally produced by fermenting sweetened tea using a culture of bacteria and yeast. It is this fermentation process that gives kombucha its distinctive tangy flavour and gentle fizz.
Spraga uses its own fermentation process and a carefully selected combination of microbiological cultures to produce its raw kombucha. Rather than pasteurising the finished drink, the brand keeps it unpasteurised.
For those interested in fermented foods and drinks, this is an important distinction. However, while kombucha is frequently associated with gut health and probiotics, it is worth remembering that individual products vary considerably in their microbial composition and research into kombucha’s wider health benefits is still developing. It is better viewed as an interesting addition to a varied diet rather than a health treatment in a can.
An alternative to alcohol and sugary soft drinks
Perhaps one of the most interesting things about the current kombucha movement isn’t what happens inside the bottle or can, but where these drinks fit into everyday life.
As more of us become conscious of how much alcohol we drink, the choice doesn’t necessarily have to be between an alcoholic drink and a glass of water. Kombucha offers another option, particularly when you want a drink that feels more considered than an everyday soft drink.
That is very much where Spraga positions itself. The combination of fermentation, acidity, fruit and fizz gives the drinks a more complex flavour profile, making them suitable for everything from an afternoon refreshment to an alcohol-free option when socialising.
Four Spraga Kombucha flavours to discover
There are currently four flavours in the Spraga range, each offering a slightly different introduction to kombucha.
Original is the place to start if you want to experience the more traditional character of kombucha. It has citrus notes and a refreshing balance while allowing the naturally fermented flavour to remain centre stage.
Ginger & Lemon brings considerably more punch. A Great Taste Award winner, it combines the warmth and gentle spice of ginger with refreshing lemon, creating a lively option for those who prefer stronger flavours.
Apple & Pear is softer and more rounded, with a subtle sweetness that makes it an accessible choice for anyone relatively new to kombucha.
Pomegranate moves towards a fruitier flavour profile, combining the characteristic tang of kombucha with the depth and freshness of pomegranate.
Making healthier choices less worthy
For Spraga founder Nykyta Izmaylov, the ambition is to challenge the idea that making more health-conscious choices inevitably means sacrificing enjoyment.
“Spraga was born out of my passion for healthy, active living and since we started our journey we have been on a mission to prove that healthy drinks don’t have to be boring,” he explains.
“We like to think of our Kombucha as ‘Oddly Real’ — naturally fermented and delicious, pleasurable and good for you, high quality and for everyone. It sounds odd, but it’s all real.”
It’s an ethos that reflects a much wider shift in wellbeing. Increasingly, wellbeing isn’t about removing every pleasure from our lives in pursuit of some elusive version of perfect health. It is about finding choices that fit naturally into everyday living — and, importantly, choices we actually enjoy.
Where can you buy Spraga Kombucha in the UK?
Spraga Kombucha is available in the UK in 330ml cans, with prices starting from £2.90. The range can be purchased through Amazon and directly from Spraga at spraga.uk.
With four approachable flavours and a playful personality, Spraga offers another option for anyone curious about kombucha or simply looking to introduce something different to the fridge.
And perhaps that is where its “Oddly Real” philosophy makes most sense. Choosing something different doesn’t need to feel restrictive or particularly worthy. Sometimes wellbeing can simply mean discovering a drink you enjoy — and deciding that the alternative is actually rather good.
Follow the journey: @spraga.uk
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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles.
